Smith Carson replaces Sam Dixon, who resigned last month following a 7-23 season. He had coached the Southern Conference school for eight years.

Smith Carson graduated Furman in 2000 and is 1 of the Paladins' highest scorers, rebounders and blockers. She was inducted into the university's Athletic Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Woodbridge, Va., native played for professional teams in Belgium and Israel before serving as an assistant coach at James Madison University for the past five seasons. During that time, the Dukes posted a 125-40 record and advanced to postseason play each year.

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